Exploration and characterization of potential iron ore occurrence in Pelpitigoda, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Iron is widely used across industries in worldwide, with an annual usage of over 1.8 billion tonnes, steadily increasing over decades. Due to this high consumption of iron, it is crucial to find new sources of iron. Therefore, this research project was designed with the objectives of exploring the potential iron occurrence and characterize the mineralogy and geochemistry of the Pelpitigoda area. The methodology comprises two phases. In the initial phase, geological settings were studied to understand the rock formations and structures surrounding the area. It was followed by a magnetic susceptibility survey to identify variations and anomalies, along with systematic sample collection across the deposit. The phase two was completed with laboratory analysis, including sample preparation, colorimetry, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Notably, colorimetry results from phase two indicated iron content ranging between 40-60 wt% in the samples, with XRD analysis identifying goethite as the predominant mineral, alongside magnetite, hematite, and gibbsite. XRF results revealed an average iron content of 38.47 wt%. Furthermore, ICP-MS analysis showed lower potential for valuable metals like V, Cr, Co, Ni, and Zn in the area. The significance of this research lies in its potential to identify a new iron ore occurrence in the Pelpitigoda area. The comprehensive characterization of the mineralogy and geochemistry provides valuable insights into the composition and distribution of iron-bearing minerals in the area. Future work entails completing the last phase of roasting the samples to extract iron oxide, followed by comprehensive laboratory testing of the prepared samples.